Around the World with BlueCat: Toronto

Toronto has quietly become one of the most important television production hubs in the world. While the city has long served as a stand-in for American cities, its own stories are increasingly finding their way to the screen.

Hollywood North

The nickname is earned. Toronto hosts productions for Netflix, Amazon, HBO, and Apple TV+ year-round. But beyond serving as a location, the city is developing its own creative ecosystem.

Canadian showrunners and writers are making waves internationally:

• Schitt's Creek swept the Emmys and became a global phenomenon
• Orphan Black launched from Toronto and ran for five acclaimed seasons
• The Handmaid's Tale, though based on a novel by Margaret Atwood, shoots primarily in and around Toronto

The Canadian Writer's Advantage

Canadian writers bring something distinctive to the table:

• A different perspective on American culture. Writing from just outside the American lens offers a clarity that's hard to achieve from within.
• Bilingual storytelling. Many Canadian writers are fluent in both English and French, opening doors to francophone markets and unique narrative structures.
• Public broadcasting support. The CBC and provincial arts councils provide funding for emerging writers — a safety net that doesn't exist in the US.

Getting Started

For Toronto-based writers interested in submitting to BlueCat:

• The Canadian Film Centre's Prime Time TV program is an excellent pipeline into the industry.
• The Toronto Screenwriting Conference hosts workshops and pitch sessions annually.
• Many Canadian agencies actively seek TV writers — the market is growing.

Your Canadian story has a global audience. Submit your pilot.